Separation of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) from its blends with other polymers

TLDR: In this article, a technique for recovering or separating polyphenylene oxide in a useable form from poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4)-oxide blends is presented.

Abstract: Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) can be separated from a blend of this polymer with any other polymer which is soluble in dichloromethane, dibromomethane or bromochloromethane. Initially, the entire blend is soluble in these solvents, but on standing the polyphenylene oxide precipitates and can be separated from the balance of the solution. Exposing the polymer blend to vapors of these solvents, also causes the polyphenylene oxide to become insoluble, so that the polymer or polymers with which it is blended can be extracted away from the insoluble polyphenylene oxide by use of these solvents. The separated, insoluble polyphenylene oxide can be rendered soluble by vacuum treatment, evaporation of the contained solvent, washing with a polyphenylene oxide nonsolvent, etc. Therefore, this technique is useful for recovering or separating this polyphenylene oxide in a useable form from such blends.